Song Leader and Song Suggestions: Larry Amberg – “What Will You Do with Jesus?” (740); “What Will Your Answer Be?” (744); “Where Could I Go?” (745)

Prelude:

Did you know that everyone has to make a decision about Jesus?

Everyone has to make a decision on

what they think of Him, and

what they shall do with Him.

Even ignoring Him or the subject is a decision.

Consider what several people did,

as recorded in the New Testament, and

one of these may describe you.

Persuasion:

Some Refused to Walk with Jesus

John 6.65–66

65 And He said, “Therefore I have said to you that no one can come to Me unless it has been granted to him by My Father.” 66 From that time many of His disciples went back and walked with Him no more (John 6.65–66).

People do not like “hard” or “demanding” sayings.

9 That this is a rebellious people,
Lying children,
Children who will not hear the law of the Lord;
10 Who say to the seers, “Do not see,”
And to the prophets, “Do not prophesy to us right things;
Speak to us smooth things, prophesy deceits.”
(Isa 30.9–10)

Judas Sold Jesus

Matthew 26.14–16

14 Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests 15 and said, “What are you willing to give me if I deliver Him to you?” And they counted out to him thirty pieces of silver. 16 So from that time he sought opportunity to betray Him (Matt 26.14–16).

He used Jesus, but did not to be used by Jesus.

The Twelve Forsook Jesus

Matthew 26.56

56 But all this was done that the Scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples forsook Him and fled (Matt 26.56).

Peter Denied Jesus

Mark 14.72

72 A second time the rooster crowed. Then Peter called to mind the word that Jesus had said to him, “Before the rooster crows twice, you will deny Me three times.” And when he thought about it, he wept (Mark 14.72).

Peter had not been hanging out with the right crowd

33 Do not be deceived: “Evil company corrupts good habits” (1Co 15.33).

Pilate Wanted to Be Neutral

Matthew 27.24

24 When Pilate saw that he could not prevail at all, but rather that a tumult was rising, he took water and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, “I am innocent of the blood of this just Person. You see to it” (Matt 27.24).

The Jews Crucified Jesus

Matthew 27.23

23 Then the governor said, “Why, what evil has He done?” But they cried out all the more, saying, “Let Him be crucified!” (Matt 27.23).

Saul Persecuted Jesus

Acts 9.1–5

1 Then Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest 2 and asked letters from him to the synagogues of Damascus, so that if he found any who were of the Way, whether men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. 3 As he journeyed he came near Damascus, and suddenly a light shone around him from heaven. 4 Then he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?” 5 And he said, “Who are You, Lord?” Then the Lord said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. It is hard for you to kick against the goads” (Acts 9.1–5).

Matt 25

Exhortation:

Felix Postponed Deciding

25 Now as he reasoned about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and answered, “Go away for now; when I have a convenient time I will call for you” (Acts 24.25).

Jews Followed Jesus

38 Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2.38).